Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems announces contract with U.S. Army

9/13/2011, 8:47 a.m.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems today announced a $1.09 billion Wideband Global SATCOM contract with the U.S. Army for the production, launch and in-orbit activation of a seventh satellite in the communications network and procurement of materials for an eighth satellite.

The deal--part of the WGS Block II follow-on contract awarded in August 2010--also includes options for producing, launching and activating satellites eight and nine, according to Boeing.

"With three satellites in operation today, WGS is already making a huge difference for the warfighter," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems in El Segundo.

"Satellites seven and eight will address the growing demand for high-data-rate services worldwide."

WGS is a satellite-based Defense Department communications system.

The contract will not result in any new jobs but "this and other new business will enable us to maintain are current, stable workforce levels," said Boeing spokesman Matthew Billingsley."